County officials expressed pride in backing the effort. Hudson County Executive Craig Guy said he was pleased to recommend the playground for Trust Fund assistance, while also thanking the Board of County Commissioners, including Chairman Anthony L. Romano, for their approval. Romano said that the space had been overdue for renovation, adding that new equipment and upgrades would make it safer and more accessible.

Playground Features for Children Five and Under

The newly completed playground is now open in the southwest corner of Church Square Park, along Fourth Street between Park Avenue and Willow Avenue. Positioned across from the church that gives the park its name, the play space is designed for toddlers and children up to age five.

The facility includes a range of inclusive and educational features such as ramped climbing structures, play mounds, magnetic play panels, swings usable by all children, curved benches, and modern safety surfacing.

More Park Upgrades by Fall

Although the toddler playground is already open, it represents just one stage of the Church Square Park Improvements Project. Additional changes are scheduled to be finished by fall, which will include:

• Installation of a new lawn area, replacing the previous playground for children ages two to five.
• Creation of a landscape buffer near the dog run to reduce noise.
• Construction of public restrooms, adding essential amenities for park visitors.

All of the planned upgrades above are part of the Church Square Park Vision Plan, which outlines long-term goals for the park’s renewal. Full details of the plan can be found at hobokennj.gov/resources/church-square-park-vision-plan.

The bill, designated A-4696 in the Assembly, is sponsored by Assemblyman John Allen of the 32nd Legislative District and State Senator John McKeon of the 27th District. It would make fossil fuel companies financially responsible for the damage caused by climate change. The measure follows the approach of the federal Superfund Act, which requires polluters to fund the cleanup of contaminated sites, and is modeled after similar laws in other Northeastern states.

Legislative Support and Broad Backing

The Climate Superfund Act has the backing of 45 municipalities, more than 100 labor and advocacy groups, and dozens of Assembly members and state Senators. Supporters include 32BJ SEIU, the New Jersey Working Families Party, and NJ Peace Action. Proponents point to data showing that extreme climate events cost the United States $150 billion annually, a figure that does not include healthcare costs, loss of life, or environmental damage. These costs, they say, fall most heavily on poor and disadvantaged communities.

Assemblyman Allen described the legislation as a matter of common sense and said that fossil fuel companies have misled the public about climate change for decades while profiting from it. He stated that those who have financially benefited from environmental harm should be required to pay for repairs.

State Leaders Address Climate Risks

Ben Dziobek, Executive Director of the Climate Revolution Action Network (CRAN), called climate change the largest crisis humanity has ever faced. CRAN, established in 2024, has 10,000 Gen Z members across New Jersey and helped organize the rally. Dziobek said municipalities should not bear the financial burden of climate destruction and described working-class residents as having been left to cover the costs of recovery.

Senator McKeon referenced recent flooding in Juneau, Alaska, and Chattanooga, Tennessee, as examples of climate-related disasters. He said about 70,000 New Jersey homes are at risk and predicted flooding in the Meadowlands without stronger protections. McKeon credited Hoboken’s resilience parks with preventing significant flooding from a storm the night before the rally and said the bill should be passed within two months.

Mayor Ravi Bhalla of Hoboken, who is also the Democratic Assembly nominee for the 32nd Legislative District, pointed to repeated flooding events and the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy as evidence of the city’s vulnerability. He said the cost of addressing climate impacts should not be left to local communities and taxpayers.

Residents and Officials Share Firsthand Experiences

Hoboken resident Liz Cohen described how Superstorm Sandy damaged her home, destroying her son’s bedroom and knocking out utility service. She said she received insurance and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance, but some residents were denied aid because the damage was classified as an “act of God.�Cohen said she continues to experience panic attacks during heavy rainfall.

State Senator Raj Mukherji of the 32nd District outlined projections showing that the Hudson River could rise by two feet by 2050 and more than five feet by 2100. He said those who contributed to these conditions should be held financially responsible.

Hudson County Executive Craig Guy repeated a past statement from former President Barack Obama that climate change is happening now. Hudson County Board of Commissioners Chair Anthony Romano recalled that the Hudson River was once more polluted and said further action is needed.

Large Attendance and Closing Remarks

The rally drew more than 200 participants, including Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato of the 31st District, Assemblyman Michael Venezia of the 34th District, Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, State Senator Benjie Wimberly of the 35th District, and Democratic Assembly nominee Katie Brennan for the 32nd District.

Allen concluded the event by stressing that urgency is needed to pass the bill. He referenced his recent cancer diagnosis and successful surgery, saying the experience reinforced the understanding that time is limited both for individuals and in addressing climate change. He stated that each day without action adds to the toll in the form of destroyed homes, flooded streets, shuttered businesses, and displaced families.

In 2020, Gates and his graduate student, Michael Kalczynski, analyzed available data and concluded the region would see an upswing in earthquakes over the next several years. Their findings projected that the area was overdue for an earthquake of magnitude 3.8 or greater.

On April 5, 2024, a 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck Tewksbury Township, New Jersey, with shaking felt in New Jersey, New York, and neighboring states. Gates stated that this earthquake supported the prediction made four years earlier. The findings were presented at a meeting of the Geological Society of America but were not published. Gates said that if the work had been published, he would be famous.

Seismic Activity in 2024 and 2025

Gates reported that around 200 earthquakes occurred in the region in 2024. Smaller events have continued in 2025, including Tuesday’s 2.7-magnitude quake near Hillsdale and Saturday’s quake in Hasbrouck Heights.

He explained that the April 2024 earthquake released tension along certain fault lines while creating tension in others, leading to subsequent earthquakes. This type of low-level seismic activity, according to his data, can last for several years. His records indicate that the cycle he identified has been occurring since at least 1884.

Disagreement Over the Ramapo Fault Theory

The Ramapo Fault, about 200 million years old, has traditionally been considered the source of earthquakes in the area. It runs from Pennsylvania through New Jersey, passing through Hunterdon, Somerset, Morris, Passaic, and Bergen counties, and ending in Westchester County, New York.

Gates said the recent quakes, including the Hasbrouck Heights event, are not close to the Ramapo Fault. He attributes them to younger faults, about 65 million years old, created by the pulling of the region’s tectonic plates to the east. These faults run through the region and extend under New York City.

Earthquake Characteristics in the Northeast

In North Jersey, earthquakes are often shallow, so people hear them as well as feel them. Gates has explained that the sound comes from the cracking of rock.

Seismological data cited in the source show that:

• About 900,000 earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or less occur annually worldwide, usually unfelt.
• Around 30,000 earthquakes each year range from magnitude 2.5 to 5.4 and may cause minor damage.
• About 500 earthquakes annually measure magnitude 5.5 to 6.0 and may cause slight building damage.
• Approximately 100 earthquakes each year range from 6.1 to 6.9 and can cause significant damage.
• Around 20 earthquakes annually fall between magnitude 7.0 and 7.9 and are considered major.
• Earthquakes of magnitude 8.0 or greater occur on average once every five to ten years and can destroy communities near the epicenter.

Regional Earthquake Data and Expert Assessments

Since 1900, the New Jersey area has experienced 355 earthquakes of magnitude 1.0 or greater. Only 20 of those reached magnitude 3.0 or higher, which are generally felt by people.

Andrew Lloyd, assistant research professor at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, stated that the two recent quakes could be aftershocks from the April 2024 event, and that the quake on Tuesday was likely triggered by Saturday’s event.

He noted that while California is located on a plate boundary with frequent earthquakes, the New York region is within a tectonic plate—an intraplate setting—where earthquakes are still possible.

Folarin “Fola�Kolawole, assistant professor of structural geology at Columbia, said ancient faults in the New York–New Jersey region are active and can remain dormant for long periods. He stated there is potential for an earthquake greater than magnitude 5.0.

Why East Coast Quakes Travel Farther

East Coast earthquakes can be felt over larger distances than similar events in the West. This is due to older, harder, and less fractured bedrock in the eastern U.S., which transmits seismic energy more efficiently. The younger, more fractured rock of the West Coast absorbs energy more quickly, limiting how far shaking can travel.

Earthquake Safety Recommendations

The U.S. Geological Survey advises that during an earthquake, individuals should:

• Drop to hands and knees.
• Cover the head and neck with arms.
• Hold on to a sturdy table or desk until the shaking stops.
• People should stay away from windows and heavy furniture, check for injuries, and inspect for damage to gas, water, and electrical lines.

Project Background and Planning History

The proposed changes stem from data identifying this corridor in both Hoboken’s High Crash Network and Hudson County’s Bicyclist High Injury Network. Previous improvements were made at Willow Avenue and 11th Street in 2021, and in 2023, $1.4 million was awarded for expanded safety upgrades. The project is guided by both the Hoboken Street Design Guide and the Hudson County Vision Zero Safety Action Plan.

Design Differences: One-Way vs. Two-Way Bikeways

The primary contrast between the two alternatives lies in bicycle lane configuration:

• Option 1 provides one-way protected bike lanes on each side of Willow Avenue.
• Option 2 installs a two-way protected bikeway on the east side, directing all bike traffic to one side of the street.

Shared Safety Enhancements in Both Options

Each proposal includes the following features:

• Protected bikeways
• ADA-compliant curb ramps
• High-visibility crosswalks
• Pedestrian refuge islands
• Raised pedestrian crossings
• Curb extensions and delineators
• Back-in angle parking
• Improved signal timing and lighting
• Leading pedestrian intervals (LPI)
• Traffic-calming chicanes and designated drop-off zones in front of Wallace Elementary
• Reduced travel lanes

Supporting Data for Design Elements

The safety measures being proposed are supported by national research and local data:

• High-visibility crosswalks can lower injury risk by up to 40%.
• Protected bike lanes have shown to reduce crashes by up to 49% and can boost bike ridership by as much as 171%.
• Pedestrian refuge islands may cut pedestrian crashes by 56%.
• Lighting improvements can reduce nighttime intersection crashes by 42%.
• Marked crosswalks and medians contribute to a 46% reduction in pedestrian incidents.
• Stop and yield markings can improve pedestrian safety by up to 25%.

Public Engagement and Timeline

Two public meetings in June 2025 introduced the initial proposals. Based on input received, the city refined the alternatives now available for public review. Additional engagement opportunities are planned for fall 2025, with final design decisions to follow.

Community members are encouraged to visit hobokenwillowave.com by August 5 to explore the designs and submit feedback.

According to forecasters, heat index values �a measure of how hot it feels when humidity is factored in �could reach up to 106 degrees Fahrenheit.

The warning applies to Hudson, Bergen, Essex, Union, and Passaic counties, where daytime temperatures in the mid-90s, alongside high humidity, are expected to create dangerous conditions.

An additional 12 counties across the state are under a heat advisory during the same period, where heat index values are forecast to reach between 100 and 104 degrees.

Counties Under Excessive Heat Warning

• Hudson
• Bergen
• Essex
• Union
• Passaic

Counties Under Heat Advisory

• Sussex
• Warren
• Morris
• Hunterdon
• Somerset
• Mercer
• Middlesex
• Monmouth
• Burlington
• Camden
• Gloucester
• Ocean

Health and Safety Guidance

The National Weather Service advises residents in affected areas to take the following precautions:

• Limit outdoor activity, particularly during peak heat hours (12 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or caffeine
• Seek air-conditioned environments
• Check on elderly neighbors, young children, and individuals with chronic illnesses
• Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles

Residents are encouraged to monitor updates from local municipalities for information about cooling centers and public health advisories. Several cities, including Jersey City and Hoboken, are expected to activate heat safety protocols during the warning period.

Each event takes place within Liberty State Park, and all programs are free. However, pre-registration is required unless stated otherwise, and space is limited. No more than six participants per reservation are allowed. Children must be with an adult, and pets are not allowed, except for service animals.

To sign up or ask questions, you can call the Liberty Park Nature Center at (201) 915-3400, ext. 503, or email LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.

Program Dates, Locations, and Activities

Let’s go over each event in detail so you know what to expect and how to prepare.

Saturday, July 5 | 10:00 a.m. �12:00 p.m.

Program: Low Tide Beach Walk
Families will meet at Lot #1, 300 Morris Pesin Drive, and walk to Caven Point Beach. The program includes a beach walk and a scavenger hunt.

• Be ready to walk over 1.5 miles.
• Wear old shoes that can get wet or muddy.
• If it’s hot, bring sunscreen and water.
• All ages are welcome.

Friday, July 18 and Tuesday, July 29 | 1:00 �2:00 p.m.

Program: Storytime and Craft
This indoor program takes place at the Nature Center, 275 Freedom Way. Children will listen to a story about local wildlife and habitats, then make a craft related to the story to take home.

• All ages are welcome.

Sunday, July 20 | 10:00 a.m. �12:00 p.m.

Program: Mark-marking in the Park
Children will explore different habitats in the park and create art using natural materials. The art method is called mark-marking, which includes using lines, dots, patterns, and textures.

• Hosted by local author and illustrator Veronica Mang, along with Park Naturalists.
• Takes place at the Nature Center, 275 Freedom Way.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and outdoor clothes.
• If the weather is hot, bring sunscreen, water, and insect repellent.
• Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Thursday, July 24 | 11:00 a.m. �12:00 p.m.

Program: Nature Walk and Craft: Beach
This event includes a beach walk, a scavenger hunt, and a craft activity based on the beach theme.

• Meet at the Nature Center, 275 Freedom Way.
• Wear old shoes that can get wet or muddy.
• Bring sunscreen, water, and insect repellent if it’s a hot day.
• All ages are welcome.

Saturday, July 26 | 10:00 a.m. �12:00 p.m.

Program: Explore the Estuary
Families will visit Caven Point Beach to learn about the Hudson River estuary and its wildlife.

• Meet at the Nature Center, 275 Freedom Way, then drive your own vehicle to the beach.
• Wear old shoes that can get wet or muddy.
• Bring binoculars if you have them.
• All ages are welcome to attend, but only children 10 and older may enter the water to seine (a method of catching aquatic life).

What You Should Know About Liberty State Park

Liberty State Park is located at 200 Morris Pesin Drive in Jersey City, New Jersey. The park has wide green spaces and views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. It features trails for walking, biking, and nature watching, as well as playgrounds, picnic areas, and food concessions.

The park also includes boating and canoeing areas on the Hudson River and New York Bay, as well as fishing and crabbing spots. There is a marina, a visitors center, and an interpretive center. The Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal is located in the park, though it is currently closed due to damage from Hurricane Sandy.

A two-mile path called Liberty Walk runs along the river and connects various parts of the park while offering scenic views.

For those interested in visiting the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island, ferry service is available through Statue Cruises. You can find more information at www.statuecruises.com or by calling 877-523-9849.

You can also stay connected with the park by visiting its official Facebook page at facebook.com/LibertyStateParkOfficial or following on Instagram at instagram.com/libertystatepark.

Mayor Ravi Bhalla said the city intends to hold the FAA accountable for not taking action to protect Hoboken residents from what the city describes as unsafe and unnecessary air traffic. Bhalla stated that helicopters have been flying at low altitudes over the city for years, and the recent crash highlights the risks of continued inaction.

CBS News New York observed over three dozen helicopters flying above Hoboken in a single hour. According to Bhalla, many of these flights are for sightseeing purposes and are considered non-essential. He said these helicopters are not involved in emergency services, law enforcement, or other essential operations.

Concerns Over Noise, Safety, and Emissions

Hoboken residents report regular disruption from helicopter noise. The city says that low-flying helicopters create a constant disturbance that affects the quality of life. Residents have described feeling vibrations in their homes due to helicopters passing overhead, also expressing concern over the lack of current regulations on altitude and flight frequency.

The city also cited environmental concerns. According to officials, helicopters emit hundreds of pounds of carbon dioxide per hour, contributing to air pollution in densely populated neighborhoods. Hoboken leadership argues that these flights pose risks not only to safety but also to public health.

Even though there are residents who do not view helicopter noise as a major issue, the city’s leadership maintains that the flights are a significant concern. Hoboken officials have repeatedly requested changes to flight patterns from the FAA in the past, but those efforts were unsuccessful.

Volume and Flight Paths Raise Alarm

Following the April crash, the Hoboken City Council passed a resolution calling for the FAA to prohibit all non-essential helicopter flights over Hoboken and Jersey City. The resolution passed unanimously, with an 8� vote.

Councilman Phil Cohen, who co-sponsored the resolution with Councilman Paul Presinzano, said the problem is ongoing and referenced previous failed attempts to reroute helicopter traffic. Cohen noted that after the September 11 attacks, helicopter flights were banned over Disneyland due to national security concerns. He argued that similar actions are possible and necessary in Hoboken.

The resolution urges Mayor Eric Adams and the New York City Economic Development Corporation to suspend all sightseeing and commuter helicopter flights from the two city-owned heliports if the FAA does not act. It also calls for the creation of minimum flight altitudes and a ban on non-essential helicopter operations near densely populated residential areas.

Cohen said that residents have contacted him and Presinzano to express concern about the mental toll of frequent low-flying helicopter traffic. Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher added that if the April crash had occurred over land instead of water, the outcome could have been even more devastating. She noted the risk posed by helicopters flying near buildings and potential mid-air collisions with drones.

Local Leaders Cite High Flights and Limited Oversight

Hudson County Executive Craig Guy has worked for several years to address helicopter noise. He has communicated with the tour operator at the Kearny, New Jersey, heliport in an effort to find solutions. Guy said a recent conversation with the operator may have led to some concessions, but he noted that results remain to be seen.

The advocacy organization Stop the Chop estimates that approximately 80,000 non-essential helicopter flights occur over New York City each year. The group points to the location of the Kearny heliport and its proximity to Newark Airport as a factor. Helicopters must fly at lower altitudes to avoid conflict with fixed-wing aircraft entering or exiting Newark’s airspace. This often brings them directly over Hoboken.

A flight tracker recorded a helicopter flying at 800 feet above a park in Hoboken. This corridor is frequently used by sightseeing helicopters traveling north along the Hudson River and returning south.

CBS News contacted the Kearny heliport and a high-volume sightseeing helicopter company but received no response. The FAA declined to comment, citing its policy on pending litigation.

The park was renamed in 2019 by the Hoboken City Council to honor Teofilo “Tom�Olivieri, a prominent tenants�rights activist. Previously known as Legion Park, the park includes a playground, a water spray area, mature trees, and two murals approved by the Hoboken Arts Advisory Committee. One mural, “Flight,�was created by Rorshach, and another was painted by Tom Olivieri’s son, Teofilo Olivieri, with Ray Guzman and members of the community �both murals will remain in the renovated park.

Community Input Shapes Preliminary Concept

The City is gathering public feedback through an online survey available at http://arcg.is/qLLD11. The survey opened on Monday, June 9, and the results from this survey will be used to inform the final concept design.

The preliminary concept was developed by Arterial, the City’s design consultant, using input from nearly 400 residents who responded to a previous survey conducted in January 2025. The updated design was presented at a public meeting held on Thursday, June 5, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Wallace Elementary School cafeteria at 1100 Willow Avenue. The meeting also covered proposed safety upgrades for the surrounding Willow Avenue corridor.

Design Details Include Accessibility and Cultural Elements

The proposed playground includes two connected play structures with a flat, accessible surface. The design allows children of all ages and abilities to use the space safely.

The spray area will be renovated with modern geometric spray features. The design aims to improve the overall water play experience.

A Portland Loo public restroom is included in the plan, providing year-round public access in a durable, low-maintenance structure.

New landscaping and paving will be added throughout the park. The concept preserves the existing mature tree canopy to provide natural shade. Additional seating and updated furnishings will accommodate caregivers and visitors.

The park’s color schemes and artistic design features reflect Puerto Rican heritage, in tribute to the legacy of Tom Olivieri. Arterial selected these cultural elements specifically for the project.

Project Receives State and County Support

The Tom Olivieri Park Improvement Project has received $750,000 from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). It is also recommended to receive another $750,000 from the Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund.

Hudson County Executive Craig Guy confirmed his support for the project and the county’s larger commitment to improving parks across all 12 municipalities. He stated that he had recommended nearly $12 million through the trust fund for park improvements, including this project in Hoboken.

Safety Upgrades Planned for Adjacent Willow Avenue

The City of Hoboken and Hudson County are also working on proposed Vision Zero safety improvements along Willow Avenue from 11th to 16th Streets. A virtual public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss these plans and gather community input.

The improvements are targeted at a high-crash corridor identified in Hoboken’s Vision Zero data. Between 2014 and 2018, this corridor accounted for 40 percent of traffic-related injuries and fatalities citywide. Between 2019 and 2021, there were 31 injury-causing crashes along this segment of Willow Avenue, including injuries to seven pedestrians and four bicyclists.

Proposed safety measures include curb extensions, high-visibility crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands, rapid flashing beacons, leading pedestrian intervals at signalized intersections, speed radar feedback signs, and protected bike lanes.

Funding for the Willow Avenue safety project includes $1.39 million in grants from the Federal Highway Administration and the New Jersey Department of Transportation. Construction is expected to begin in 2027.

The corridor is used by seniors at Fox Hill Gardens, students at Wallace Elementary School, families at Tom Olivieri Park, and patrons of nearby businesses. It also serves as a route for commuters from Weehawken and Union City traveling to the Lincoln Tunnel. The area includes four NJ TRANSIT bus stops and a Citi Bike station that has supported 41,000 trips since it was installed in 2021.

However, that doesn’t mean the bears are gone. In fact, suburban towns are still seeing bears in backyards, near trash bins, and walking through neighborhoods. Even with lower numbers overall, the presence of bears in towns like Ridgewood and Westwood reminds people that these animals remain part of everyday life in many parts of the state.

The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife continues to monitor the situation closely. Wildlife officials are encouraging residents to stay alert, follow safety tips, and avoid giving bears any reason to stick around.

Bear Sightings Drop Across the State in 2025

Between January 1 and May 21, 2025, the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife recorded 257 black bear incidents statewide. During the same period in 2024, there were 358 incidents, which represents a 28.21% decrease in total bear-related incidents in New Jersey.

In addition to the overall drop, bear sightings specifically also went down. There were 63 reported sightings in 2025 as of May 21, compared to 94 during the same period in 2024. That is a decline of 32.98%. Reports of black bear damage and nuisance also fell. In 2025, there were 194 reports of bear-related damage and nuisance incidents, down from 264 in the same timeframe in 2024.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) classifies black bear incidents into three categories. Category I incidents involve bears that are a threat to public safety or property. Category II refers to nuisance bears, which are not a direct threat to public safety or property. Category III describes normal bear behavior that is not considered threatening. These categories are part of the Black Bear Activity Reports issued by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. The reports include incidents reported to the DEP, but they do not include cases handled by local police departments unless the DEP was involved.

In 2025, Sussex County reported the most black bear incidents in the state, with 103. Warren County reported 65 incidents, and Morris County reported 36. According to the DEP’s most recent monthly report, which covered the period from April 20 through May 21, bear sightings, damage incidents, nuisance complaints, and total reported incidents were all down by nearly 50% compared to the same period in 2024.

DEP spokesperson Larry Hajna stated that it is difficult to draw conclusions based on short-term data. He explained that black bear activity and the number of public reports can be influenced by many factors, including food availability, weather, and the harvest rates from the previous hunting season.

Bears Are Still Being Spotted in Some Neighborhoods

Even with the decrease in reported activity, bears are still appearing in New Jersey neighborhoods. In Ridgewood, Bergen County, a black bear was seen multiple times in early June 2025. Surveillance cameras recorded the bear opening a trash bin on Hillcrest Road that had been secured with bungee cords. The bear successfully accessed the contents of the bin �this was the second bear sighting on Hillcrest Road in two days.

The bear was also seen walking through other parts of Ridgewood, including the backyards of residents on the west side of town. Ridgewood police confirmed they had received reports of a bear moving through the area. Ridgewood residents used text messages and Facebook groups to keep each other updated about the bear’s location. Sightings of black bears in Ridgewood are not uncommon, but some residents expressed concern because of how close the bear was to the downtown area.

In Westwood, a bear was reported in a backyard on First Avenue early in the morning. The bear was eating from the bird feeders. The Westwood Police Department stated that this kind of activity is not unusual in early spring. Police searched the area later in the day but did not locate the bear. The department reminded residents to use caution and remain aware of their surroundings.

Bear Population Expands Across New Jersey

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has stated that black bears now live in all 21 counties in the state. Although black bears are most commonly found in Sussex, Passaic, Warren, and Morris counties, their range has expanded over time.

According to NJDEP data, black bear-related incidents in Bergen County increased from 43 during the January to September period in 2023 to 59 in the same period in 2024. The NJDEP attributes changes in bear activity to seasonal food availability, natural bear behavior, and increased public awareness, which can influence how often people report sightings.

In Paramus, a black bear was seen running across Benton Road on April 30, 2018. In Teaneck, New Milford, and Bogota, bear sightings have been confirmed. These sightings typically occur near parks, wooded areas, and waterways. Bears are often drawn to unsecured trash, bird feeders, pet food, and grease on outdoor grills.

In 2018, New Jersey’s black bear population was estimated at approximately 1,500. In recent years, the population has grown to over 3,000. NJDEP projections estimate the bear population could exceed 4,000 by 2026. This population increase, combined with suburban development in former bear habitats, means that interactions between bears and people are becoming more frequent in residential areas.

Bears Are Active Year-Round but Most Common in Spring and Fall

The Division of Fish and Wildlife states that black bears in New Jersey are not true hibernators. Instead, they enter a state of dormancy called torpor during winter. In torpor, a bear’s heart and breathing rates slow down, and its body temperature drops slightly. Bears in torpor can wake easily and may leave their dens on mild winter days to look for food.

In spring, bears emerge from their dens and actively forage. They remain active through the summer breeding season and during the fall when they prepare to den for the winter. Pregnant females usually enter their dens by late October. Males may wait until December. Dens vary in type and can include hollow trees, rock cavities, ground nests, or areas beneath buildings.

What to Do if You See a Bear

New Jersey officials have shared several tips to help people avoid bear problems. People should keep trash in bear-resistant containers or store it inside. Grills should be cleaned and stored properly. Bird feeders should not be used between April 1 and December 1. Pet food bowls should not be left outside. Meat, dairy, and sweet foods should not go into compost piles. Fruit and nuts that fall from trees should be removed.

Electric fencing is recommended for protecting crops, beehives, and livestock.

If you see a bear, you should:

• Not run.
• Back away slowly.
• Do not look the bear in the eyes, as it may see that as a challenge.
• Make loud noises by shouting, banging pans, or using an air horn.
• Make yourself look bigger by raising your arms.
• If the bear shows warning signs—such as huffing, snapping its jaws, or swatting the ground—continue backing away slowly.

Sometimes a bear might stand on its back legs or move closer, but that does not always mean it is going to attack. Either way, stay vigilant, and if the bear does not leave, go inside a house or a car.

That said, you may not be able to make it to somewhere enclosed, in which case, according to officials, you should fight back if the bear attacks you. Attacks are very rare, but they have happened. In 2014, a Rutgers University student was killed by a black bear in West Milford �the first deadly bear attack in New Jersey in 150 years.

Bear Shot in West Harrison, New York

On June 5, 2025, CBS New York reported that a bear was shot and killed in West Harrison, a residential neighborhood in Westchester County, New York. Police said the bear was roaming around the area. West Harrison is about 22 miles northeast of New York City. The neighborhood is made up of closely spaced homes. The bear was described as scared when people approached it.

New Jersey Officials Continue to Monitor the Situation

Even with the drop in incidents this year, black bears remain a part of life in New Jersey. They now live in every part of the state, and bear-related problems can happen anywhere. Residents are being asked to stay alert and follow safety guidelines.

People who live in areas with frequent bear sightings, like Mahwah, Oakland, Ringwood, and Wayne, should have a safety plan, including teaching children what to do if they see a bear, using whistles or air horns, and knowing where to go to stay safe. If a bear gets into your home, officials say to leave doors open so it can find its way out.

Anyone who sees a bear causing damage or acting aggressively should contact their local police or call the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife at 877-927-6337. For updates and more information, the DEP’s Black Bear Activity Reports are available at dep.nj.gov/njfw/bears/activity-reports.